A look back, mile by mile

Tuesday

Dec 24, 2013 at 10:43 AM

It is easy to overlook the role that others play in helping us to achieve our goals. Thanks to the courteous drivers of Pratt County and elsewhere.

Brandon Case

There was no North Dakota ride, as in 2012, only one day of Biking Across Kansas, and mainly a lot of solo rides around the Pratt area, but I finally reached this year’s goal of 4,000 miles of pedaling before the snow started flying. There’s nothing quite like reaching a goal you’ve set. It increases your motivation to attain other goals.

Often, there are gifts along the way, and such was the case last week, which offered relatively mild weather. Last Tuesday evening’s harvest full moonrise, with almost no wind, was like an early Christmas present.

When you set a goal, there will be plenty of challenges along the way—like bicycling as temperatures dipped the single digits—but there are also many instances of pure joy, like the numerous wildlife I have spotted along the ride, hawks circling for prey or deer flitting across the road with their eyes briefly caught in my helmet headlight.

As dangerous as cycling can be—especially cycling at dusk or after dark—some thanks must go out to the many courteous drivers who gave me a wide berth while passing from behind, or those who dimmed their headlights without having to flicker mine to get their attention. Yes, I encountered some real rascals while cycling in 2013—and I blogged about many of them—but the majority of drivers in the Pratt area are courteous and considerate. It is much easier to enjoy my chosen sport because it’s relatively safe to bike around here. Thank you for striving to keep the roads of Pratt County safe for all—whether motorized or human-powered vehicles. Thanks to the many area law enforcement officers who worked to ensure that the road can be shared by everyone.

It is easy to overlook the often invisible role that others play in helping us to achieve our goals. One of my favorite singers, Peter Himmelman, sums it up so well: “The most precious things are always in disguise.”